The Richland County Cancer Coalition is a community partnership among the Richland County Health Department, Sidney Health Center, the Foundation for Community Care, and community volunteers. Its mission is to unite resources and work collaboratively to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment in Eastern Montana.

One of the Coalition’s strategic initiatives is to enhance access to emotional and physical support services for cancer patients, families, and caregivers through Cancer Support Community-Montana (CSCMT). Across Montana, "Community is Stronger than Cancer Day" is an annual event that is held the end of June. This event brings cancer survivors together to celebrate the comprehensive care available in our community, including psychological support provided by CSCMT.

The Cancer Coalition is proud to partner with the Sidney Area Chamber to host our own “Community is Stronger than Cancer” event at the Sidney Health Center Cancer Care facility from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 26. Please join us for appetizers, refreshments, and tours of the newly remodeled area.

In addition to its partnership with CSCMT, the Cancer Coalition strives to increase screening opportunities for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and skin cancers. Later this summer, the Coalition will bring a Sun Bus to Sidney to offer free skin screenings on August 16-17. Watch for more details to come.

Other annual events include the Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo during the Richland County Fair and Rodeo in August and Light the Night in September.

The Cancer Coalition also oversees the Cancer Coalition Aid Fund, originally established by the Richland County Health Department. The Foundation for Community Care manages the funds and distributes grants with approval from the Cancer Coalition team members. This fund is designed to assist individuals with a new cancer diagnosis who are undergoing treatment, primarily those residing in Richland County or seeking care there. Patients from other Montana counties can be considered if they seek treatment at Sidney Health Center Cancer Care in Sidney, MT. Grants typically amount to $500 per patient. Since June 2013, $343,750 in grants have been awarded, assisting 542 area cancer patients.

If you are interested in joining the Richland County Cancer Coalition, please contact Becky Cassidy, Coalition Chairperson, at 406.488.2169. Donations to the Cancer Coalition Aid Fund are also accepted through the Foundation for Community Care in Sidney.